Woodcarving Illustrated - How To Magazine for Carvers: The Illustrated Raptor Series

The Illustrated Raptor Series
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Anthony-Hillman on 01/17/2010 13:49:00
 
Denny Rogers has produced an incredible amount of useful information with his
latest series of books: The Illustrated Bald Eagle (2006), The Illustrated Owl:
Screech and Snowy (2006), The Illustrated Birds Of Prey: Red-Tailed Hawk,
American Kestrel, & Peregrine Falcon (2007), and The Illustrated Owl: Barn,
Barred, and Great Horned (2008).
These books, which all follow the same format, provide everything you need to
produce accurate paintings and carvings of magnificent raptors. Each species is
highlighted with full-color photographs and a brief well-written facts section,
that gives natural history information, including general size and color for
each species. There are hundreds of illustrations, photographs, and diagrams in
each book.
Several pages of very detailed drawings show the profile, front view, back,
head, and bill specifics. A coded measurement chart allows the artist to
translate the measurements given to a life-size pattern. Additionally, this
chart contains conversions to nine other scale sizes–a useful tool in itself.
The skeletal structure of the head and bill is shown, while foot and claw
details are given thorough coverage. Wing structure, feathering, and feather
layout are all well-illustrated.   Additional drawings unlock the mystery of
feather tracts and shape. The top and bottom views in full wings-spread position
are extremely useful. Each wing and tail feather is drawn individually
A series of full page drawings show many natural positions that serve to
inspire as well as inform the artist. All angles are covered, and although not
patterns in themselves, study will allow you to be as informed as possible
without having the actual bird strike a pose on command!
Lori Corbett’s color and painting section includes full-color front view,
profile, and back illustrations. A mixing chart allows even the beginning
painter to save time and experimentation. A fullpage profile diagram breaks down
the base colors for major section.
The last section for each species shows examples of other artists'
interpretations, and is one of my favorite sections of the book. Flat-art,
sculpture, and carvings in full color are featured, and will encourage and
inspire you.
I encourage any serious bird student, artist, or photographer to acquire at
least one of these spectacular titles There probably isn't a better reference
available for anyone interested in portraying these amazing creatures.
To see more of Anthony Hillman's work, Visit his website at www.hillmanart.com